Jason Dickinson’s injury raises durability concerns for the Chicago Blackhawks ahead of Kraken clash

Jason Dickinson’s latest injury has once again brought his durability into question. The forward left Thursday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets early, re-aggravating a previous injury that had already sidelined him earlier in the year against the Boston Bruins.

This isn’t the first time Dickinson has faced long-term health setbacks. Last season, a wrist injury cut his campaign short, preventing him from finishing the year with the team. These repeated injuries have raised concerns about how much his body can handle, especially as the Chicago Blackhawks continue to rely on his veteran leadership during their rebuilding phase.

So far this season, Dickinson has played only five games, registering three points (one goal and two assists). While those numbers are decent considering the limited time he’s been on the ice, his inconsistency in availability makes it difficult for the team to find stability in their forward lines.

With head coach Jeff Blashill focusing on building chemistry among younger players like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, Dickinson’s absence disrupts the team’s balance. His experience and defensive responsibility at center have been key in helping stabilize Chicago’s middle six, and losing him again creates another hole that will need to be filled, likely by a younger player stepping into a bigger role.

A look back at Dickinson’s career and value

Drafted 29th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Jason Dickinson was once seen as a promising two-way forward with a blend of speed, grit, and playmaking ability. He spent his early career developing in Dallas before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2021.

His time in Vancouver was short-lived, as the Chicago Blackhawks acquired him shortly after, where he found a more comfortable role. Over the past three seasons in Chicago, Dickinson has become a steady veteran presence, a player capable of playing in any situation, whether on the power play, penalty kill, or late defensive shifts.

Now in the final year of his current contract with an average annual value of $4.25 million, Dickinson’s future in Chicago remains uncertain. In total, he’s accumulated 158 career points (69 goals and 89 assists) over 510 NHL games, numbers that reflect his consistency when healthy but also highlight how much time he’s missed due to injuries.

As the Blackhawks continue their rebuilding process, decisions about keeping or moving veterans like Dickinson will be key to shaping the roster around their young stars. His leadership and experience are valuable, but the constant injury setbacks make it difficult to rely on him as a long-term piece.

The Chicago Blackhawks will need to find ways to stay competitive without him for now. The upcoming matchup against the Seattle Kraken provides an opportunity for younger players to step up and prove themselves in the lineup. Meanwhile, the organization will be keeping a close eye on Dickinson’s recovery and, perhaps more importantly, his long-term durability moving forward.